One of the main developments brought about by development in the information and communication technology is Wi-Fi hotspot. By definition, Wi-Fi which is a short form for wireless fidelity is a network connectivity standard that is based upon the IEEE 802.11 standards world over. It is especially designed to provide computers and communication devices such as cell phones with accessibility to the internet via wireless network.

Wi-Fi development has given rise to hotspots, which are areas such as buildings or parks or cities that are covered by wireless network. The first idea of hotspot areas dates back as far as 1993 in San Francisco but was to be later advanced by Nokia. Its growth has been enormous over the years with most cities worldwide now implementing the technology as a mean to provide users with the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Hotspots can be located in the hotels, supermarkets, air ports, public libraries, hospitals, universities and colleges. Nevertheless, due to the rapid development of internet technology most governments have plans to have cities covered by hotspots to enable the millions of people living in those areas have an easy access to the internet, wherever they are.

Wi-Fi hotspot zones can be classified into two main classes, i.e. free Wi-Fi and Commercial hotspots. Free hotspots allow connection to the internet via public network. In addition, access is not restricted as anyone with a Wi-Fi wireless router can deactivate the user authentication requirement thus enabling anybody with a Wi-Fi based device free access. Closed public networks, however, does restrict access.

In closed public network hotspot zones, a control standard, i.e. hotspot management system is utilized to manage the hotspot connection. The application is installed and run from the wireless router or from another computer not used in the network. Using the program, administrators can limit the number of users who can gain access of the hotspot area and to restrict bandwidth usage thus enabling equal distribution of surfing speeds. Commercial hotspots, on the other hand, charges some specific amount of fee either through credit card or iPass or any other form of payment that users may find suitable.

Commercial Wi-Fi hotspot is revenue based and requires users to make payments in order to be provided with the hotspot connection. The following traits are common with commercial hotspots and can be used to distinguish it from free Wi-Fi hotspots. Login screen that directs users to be authenticated and to make payments, payment service options such as credit card or iPass and a walled garden that enables those logged in to access any particular website.